Pocheon City Selected as 'Outstanding Local Government' for Second Consecutive Year in 2026 Local Extinction Response Fund Investment Plan Evaluation

Pocheon City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Baek Younghyeon) has achieved the distinction of being selected as an 'Outstanding Local Government for Two Consecutive Times' in the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's 2026 Local Extinction Response Fund Investment Plan evaluation.

Pocheon City has been selected as an 'Outstanding Local Government for Two Consecutive Times' in the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's 2026 Local Extinction Response Fund Investment Plan evaluation and is receiving an award. Provided by Pocheon City

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This achievement is particularly significant as it comes in the first year that the operation paradigm of the Local Extinction Response Fund has shifted from a focus on facility construction to a focus on population inflow outcomes.

On December 3, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety finalized the 2026 Local Extinction Response Fund allocation plan and announced the results of the investment plan evaluation for 89 population-declining areas and 18 areas of interest nationwide. Among these, two areas of interest received the highest 'Outstanding' rating (3 billion won each), four received an 'A' rating (2.4 billion won each), and twelve received a 'B' rating (1.8 billion won each). Pocheon City was selected as one of the two areas to receive the highest 'Outstanding' rating, securing an allocation of 3 billion won.

This consecutive selection is especially meaningful, as it reflects the high policy completeness and feasibility of Pocheon City's population inflow and regional revitalization plans, which are designed to translate population policies into tangible changes.

The core project in this year's evaluation is the 'Taebong Park Green Community Platform Healing Zone Development Project,' a strategic initiative aimed at dramatically improving residential conditions by organically connecting citizens' living areas and increasing park utilization rates. The project seeks to simultaneously boost the local economy and expand the resident population by constructing pedestrian walkways that naturally link school routes and alley-type commercial districts, as well as expanding convenience facilities based on resident demand.

Pocheon City has already secured 3 billion won from the Local Extinction Response Fund for the hardware aspects of this project.

Additionally, the city is in discussions with relevant agencies to secure approximately 600 million won in additional funding by linking and expanding the operation of the EduCare platform as a software initiative. Through this, the project is expected to accelerate its progress beyond simple facility construction, moving toward a sustainable regional revitalization model in which space (hardware) and programs (software) are organically integrated.

Mayor Baek Younghyeon stated, "This consecutive selection is the result of Pocheon City's practical population policies," adding, "With the Taebong Park Healing Zone Development Project at the center, we will further enhance citizens' quality of life, revitalize the local economy, and strengthen the foundation for population inflow and settlement, making Pocheon a city where people want to stay and live."

Meanwhile, Pocheon City plans to accelerate efforts to improve residential conditions and the tangible effects of its population policies by linking the Local Extinction Response Fund with the city's own budget. Once the final fund size is confirmed, the city will specify the project scope and detailed implementation plans, focusing on maximizing outcomes that citizens can truly experience.

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